BOXING legend and Sen. Emmanuel 'Manny' Pacquiao will announce next month whether he will continue his ring career or concentrate on politics.

'Will make an announcement next month, am facing a bigger problem, more difficult work than boxing. You know I want to help the people,' the 42-year-old eight-division world champion said minutes after his unanimous-decision loss in his welterweight championship bout to Cuba's Yordenis Ugas on Sunday (Philippine time) in Las Vegas, Nevada.

A visibly disappointed Pacquiao said he has not decided if he will fight again after his fight from the longest layoff of his quarter-century in the sport.

He also did not confirm whether he will join the presidential race. The senator has indicated interest in running for president in next year's election.

The senator was replaced as president of the ruling PDP-Laban in July after he questioned the holding of a council meeting which he did not approve.

Pacquiao also rejected the result of the party assembly where a new set of officers was elected.

The PDP-Laban faction led by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, who was elected party president, has claimed Pacquiao has been talking with other political parties to ensure he will have a 'back-up plan' in case the ruling party will endorse someone else for president in next year's elections.

While he kept his political plans to himself, Pacquiao was gracious in his defeat in the ring.

'I did my best tonight, but my best wasn't good enough,' he said. 'No excuses. I wanted to fight for the title in the ring, and tonight the champion is named Ugas.'

WITH AP